It has been widely reported that the newlyweds signed a strict pre-nuptial agreement in the United States before their wedding, with a view to protecting wealth and income should they separate and divorce.
The Agreement
The details of the agreement will, of course, be the subject of speculation but remain quite rightly confidential and may never be known. What is perhaps surprising to us on this side of the Atlantic is that the purpose of their pre-nup may not necessarily be to protect the groom’s interests, but rather the bride’s – as the wealth of the bride and her family dwarfs that of the groom and the Beckhams.
Whether or not Brooklyn and Nicola entered into a similar agreement in England is something else again. The Law here whilst recognising pre-nuptial (and post-nuptial) agreements does not give them strictly legally binding effect at the moment. They are highly influential in the unfortunate circumstances should a marriage then come to an end. This is especially so where both parties have fully disclosed their means and resources to each other at the time the agreements were entered into and have had legal, and sometimes financial, advice about the agreement before it is completed.
What Exactly Are Pre-Nuptial Agreements?
Pre-nuptial agreements are formal legal documents that can be prepared for the couple before they marry. They record what each one brought to the marriage and sets out what they would each receive if the relationship breaks down or the couple divorce. Post-nuptial agreements can also be drawn up. These deal with the same range of matters but are made after the marriage has taken place. Nuptial agreements are becoming increasingly common and, indeed fashionable. Celebrity cases such as the Beckham and Peltz marriage always generate more enquiries as people see that their own circumstances, whilst perhaps not as generous as this, might benefit from making an agreement now to avoid future difficulties.
Experienced family lawyers and family mediators can help couples with their planning and make agreements that work for their family, to avoid problems in the future. A small investment at the outset to provide certainty and clarity for the future, can avoid hostility and expensive court proceedings later should their lives not develop in the way they would wish.
You can read more about the marriage of Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz and their pre-nuptial agreement in the Daily Mail news article here.
How Can Timms Help?
If you have any questions regarding pre-nuptial agreements, or any other family law issues please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can contact me on 01332 364436 or via email at a.rose@timms-law.com. Alternatively, visit the Family law page of our website here.